Local winery wins platinum medal at B.C. wine awards
Bobby Gidda, president and owner of Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, was busy with grapes on the crush pad when he got a message from a staff member that the winery’s recently released 2016 Gamay Noir had taken a platinum medal at the British Columbia Wine Awards, the oldest and largest British Columbia wine competition.
“I talked to the team. We were thrilled,” said Gidda.
The Gamay Noir was one of eight wines awarded platinum medals for being the top one per cent of wines entered selected from the gold medal winners.
This year saw over 65 wines from 85 wineries entered with the 10 judges awarding a record number of medals to over 50 wineries.
This is the Àrst time Volcanic Hills has won a platinum medal at the B.C. Wine Awards.
Gidda said the medal is proof of the saying that hard work pays off.
“Nothing comes to anyone who doesn’t try,” he said, adding the winery will continue to keep developing what they think will showcase their vineyards the best.
Gidda noted the Gamay Noir grapes are grown right here in West Kelowna on established vines around the 20-year mark.
With the Gamay Noir, people can expect Áavours of cherry, cranberry plum spiced with hints of chocolate and vanilla and pepper on the nose.
The 2016 Gamay Noir also won gold at the Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition held Oct. 4 and 5.
Volcanic Hills bottled just over 1000 cases of the 2016 Gamay Noir. While there is plenty of stock, the platinum medal is boosting sales of the wine.
It sells for $16.90 a bottle at the Volcanic Hills Wine Shop.
The easiest way to get your hands on a bottle is at the winery, 2845 Boucherie Rd. or order online at volcanichillswinery.com.
The 2016 Gamay Noir is also available at various private liquor stores.
Volcanic Hills also took silver medals for its 2016 Magma White and 2014 Cabernet Franc as well as bronze for its 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Other Westside wineries recognized include Quails’ Gate, which won a gold medals for its 2015 Chardonnay and 2015 Pinot Noir, silver for its 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon and bronze medals for its 2015 The Boswell, 2016 Botrytis Affected Optima and 2015 The Connemara.
Indigenous World Winery took gold for its 2016 Red Fox Rosé and bronze for its 2016 Hee Hee Tel Kin, 2016 Muscat and 2015 Hee Hee Tel Kin.
The Hatch won silver for its 2016 Dynasty White and bronze for its 2016 Lifecycle of a Hobo, 2016 Talking Stories Red and 2015 Crown + Thieves Roussanne Viognier.
Mission Hill Family Estate took bronze for its 2015 Reserve Merlot, 2016 Reserve Pinot Gris and 2014 Terroir Collection No.39 Whispering Hill Organic Merlot.
Mount Boucherie’s 2014 Syrah took bronze.